Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Emanuel · 21st November 2013, 08:51 PM

Hi Detlef,

Addicts are predictable

We should be able to tell more when you receive it and can take pictures. Based on this photo I think your example shows somewhat lower quality, especially on the handle. At some late time, craftsmen started simplifying the designs, so instead of foliate scrolls on early flyssa, you get a simple zigzag pattern and no eyes or detailing on the pommel. The bolster has small proportions and no decoration. Usually it would be half the length of the handle and it would have brass decoration on the sides and the spine.

Your blade looks pristine and polished. Maybe another indication that it wasn't used in its life. The scabbard makes me think it's still a 19th century example, even though the carved decoration is reduced to the zigzags. Here is how it becomes the "wedding nimcha" by 1876 (http://vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.p...36&postcount=9), 1883 (http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10136) and this is probably the end of "development"(http://vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.p...5&postcount=23).

I attach some pictures of my small example. I think It's pretty good when compared with the old long flyssa. When you receive yours please measure the thickness of the spine at the base of the blade and check the distal taper. I wonder how many of these are cut down from older blades.

Cheers!
Emanuel

21st November 2013, 08:51 PM	#4
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hi Detlef, Addicts are predictable We should be able to tell more when you receive it and can take pictures. Based on this photo I think your example shows somewhat lower quality, especially on the handle. At some late time, craftsmen started simplifying the designs, so instead of foliate scrolls on early flyssa, you get a simple zigzag pattern and no eyes or detailing on the pommel. The bolster has small proportions and no decoration. Usually it would be half the length of the handle and it would have brass decoration on the sides and the spine. Your blade looks pristine and polished. Maybe another indication that it wasn't used in its life. The scabbard makes me think it's still a 19th century example, even though the carved decoration is reduced to the zigzags. Here is how it becomes the "wedding nimcha" by 1876 (http://vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.p...36&postcount=9), 1883 (http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10136) and this is probably the end of "development"(http://vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.p...5&postcount=23). I attach some pictures of my small example. I think It's pretty good when compared with the old long flyssa. When you receive yours please measure the thickness of the spine at the base of the blade and check the distal taper. I wonder how many of these are cut down from older blades. Cheers! Emanuel Attached Images Last edited by Emanuel; 21st November 2013 at 09:40 PM.